Scientists have identified a new cause of shortness of breath in the elderly

American researchers have identified a possible cause of shortness of breath in the elderly — a gradual increase in the stiffness of the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs. This was reported on March 11 in the journal Medical Xpress.

With age, many people begin to experience shortness of breath even with relatively little physical activity. According to physician and researcher Edward Manning, approximately one in three patients over the age of 65 complains of a similar symptom, while standard examinations often do not reveal serious abnormalities in the heart or lungs.

To find out the possible causes of this phenomenon, scientists focused on the pulmonary artery, a large vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygen saturation. The researchers found that with age, the proximal part of the pulmonary artery, located closest to the heart, gradually becomes stiffer and accumulates mechanical energy worse. These changes were accompanied by a deterioration in lung function, a decrease in the efficiency of the right heart and a decrease in endurance during physical exertion.

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In addition, scientists have identified changes in gene expression and cellular signaling processes in arterial tissues. The analysis showed the possible role of perivascular macrophages— immune cells located along the walls of blood vessels. According to Manning, these cells are involved in the transmission of signals between the cells of the vascular wall. With age, their activity increases, and they begin to show signs of cellular aging, which can contribute to tissue remodeling and deterioration of vascular elasticity.

Scientists also note that it is not yet fully understood what happens first — damage to the small vessels of the lungs or stiffness of large arteries. However, researchers suggest that it is the stiffness of the large pulmonary artery that may play a key role in the deterioration of respiratory function with age.

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On March 3, Science Daily magazine reported the discovery of hidden brain defenses against Alzheimer's disease. According to the study, the brain implements a purification mechanism that helps individual neurons remove toxic tau protein, a key factor in the disease.

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